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Mini Truckin' Originals - December 2012

Old School. Throwback. OG.

By Chris “lucky” Brewer

Mini Truckin', December 01, 2012

While doing a bit of lurking on the ol' social media sites, I came across a topic asking the exact name and model of a specific wheel that was ever so popular in the '90s—the WED GS. This wheel seems to be the Holy Grail among the old school crowd. Not a week goes by that someone doesn't go on record regretting selling a set or is searching the globe for a set. Ironic that this wheel seemed to be on one out of three minis back in the day and now no one can find a foursome, not to mention a single wheel. After the discussion bounced around a few times debating if the wheels were actually called Weld G5 or WED GS, I decided to go do some research. The first mag that came to mind was the issue bearing a super low Mazda on a set of the chrome wheels in question. After grabbing the mag and reading a few pages, it was obvious that this was a great feature for the next subject for MT Originals. By the way, WED GS is, in fact, the official name of the wheels.

This MT Original is dedicated to Linda Sobek. Linda was born July 1968, and her modeling and acting career was finally taking off before she vanished. She was later found in a shallow grave in the Angeles National Forest in November 1995. Linda's story later turned movie, Whispers From a Shallow Grave. We dedicate this cover reprint to you, Linda.

This MT Original is dedicated to Linda Sobek. Linda was born July 1968, and her modeling a

Nick Santana and his '89 Mazda Cab Plus "SCR8PN", along with the late Linda Sobek grace the cover of the May 1991 Volume 5, Number 3 issue. Nick's truck was "slammed on the ground" using air shocks on all corners along with an onboard compressor, modified lower control arms, and a C-notched frame. This truck was definitely pre-valves, dual compressor and multiple switches. Nick probably had to lift the truck using tiny lines via Schrader valves, and I am sure that lunch breaks could be taken while it aired up, but the beauty of this truck is seeing the beginning stage of modern engineering before your very eyes. Suspension systems have come a long way, and we often forget where they started. Modifications to the body include a shaved cowl, shaved emblems, plenty of chrome including fender trim, a Ferguson Super Shell, sliding rag, and a frenched antenna. After the mods, the truck was sprayed with a '90s Camaro teal metallic then a blue pearl was layered over the color. The stock motor is in full dress with plenty of chrome, steel braided hose sleeves; along with some teal and white splatter painted pieces. And of course, Nick's truck also adorns a set of 15x7-inch of the infamous WED GS wheels.

The last paragraph in the original article is worth quoting as a final thought, "You see, if you focus in one direction of customization as far as creativity goes, and follow your vision of how you feel a hot truck should look, you will soon find yourself cruising a boulevard shocker."

Until next time, remember: build to be original, not acceptable.

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By Chris “lucky” Brewer

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